Barcelona City Council has taken a leading role in the global conversation on urban governance. Consequently, it participated in the Symposium on Institutional Innovation in Cities held this January at Harvard University’s Bloomberg Centre for Cities.
The city was represented by Mar Jiménez, Commissioner for International Relations. She shared Barcelona’s evolving strategies in institutional innovation, urban management, and housing policy. Co-organised by The Institutional Architecture Lab (TIAL) and Harvard, the event gathered academics, municipal leaders, and international experts. They explored how city institutions can adapt to modern cross-cutting challenges.
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Redefining Urban Governance Through Institutional Innovation
The symposium was anchored by a central theme introduced by Sir Geoff Mulgan and Caio Werneck. They argued for viewing urban institutions as networks rather than traditional hierarchical structures. This concept served as the foundation for analysing how cities are reshaping organisational models. These models were originally designed for the 20th century but must now meet contemporary demands.
During the sessions, participants examined case studies from cities worldwide. These cities are developing new approaches to managing complex tasks. Examples included:
- Community care models in various municipalities.
- Climate coordination centres for environmental resilience.
- Digital coordination infrastructures to streamline city services.
- Inter-city coalitions like those seen in Barcelona, Manchester, and Bogotá.
A key conclusion from the event was that successful institutional innovation requires weaving together different layers, roles, and territories. Therefore, this approach allows pyramidal structures, platforms, and local networks to collaborate effectively rather than operating in silos.
Advocating for the Right to Housing
Within this context, Commissioner Jiménez presented the work currently being promoted in Barcelona under the leadership of Mayor Jaume Collboni. She highlighted the transformative role of the Mayors for Housing alliance. This coalition of 20 European cities joins forces to defend the right to housing before EU institutions.
Jiménez argued that ‘Mayors for Housing’ is a practical example of political and institutional innovation. Moreover, it demonstrates the necessity of building inter-institutional coalitions. These coalitions confront global challenges such as housing affordability. Such challenges have a direct impact on urban life in the current geopolitical landscape.
Strengthening Ties with Boston
Beyond the academic sessions, the visit served to strengthen the twinning agreement between Barcelona and Boston. On 7 January, Commissioner Mar Jiménez met with the City of Boston’s Chief of Housing, Sheila A. Dillon, alongside other senior housing officials.
The bilateral meeting provided an opportunity to exchange experiences. Both cities face housing access challenges. Key topics of discussion included:
- Tenants’ rights and rent regulation.
- The promotion of affordable and protected housing.
- Managing tourist apartments and seasonal rentals.
- Strategies to combat real estate speculation and activate vacant housing units.
Barcelona will continue to participate in this international research programme led by TIAL and Harvard. In addition, it will contribute to defining how future institutions should be designed. These institutions must tackle today’s urban complexities.
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